Prof. Dr. Doris Erbe ensures a positive turnaround

Prof. Dr. Doris Erbe: As a scientist on the one hand and an experienced psychotherapist on the other, I not only teach sound theoretical principles, but also contribute extensive practical experience from various areas of psychology and psychotherapy. Having worked in pediatric oncology, university outpatient clinics for psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults, a psychosomatic clinic and an addiction clinic, among others, I have gained a broad spectrum of experience that I integrate into my teaching.

I have also worked with internet and telephone-based interventions both academically and in practice and can show students how versatile and adaptable psychotherapy can be in the digital age.
My enthusiasm for science is as strong as my commitment to the practical application of psychological interventions. This enables me to design a challenging and practical course that not only challenges students on an academic level, but also prepares them for their future professional challenges.

Prof. Dr. Doris Erbe: As a child and adolescent psychotherapist, I love the opportunity to work with young people. Children and adolescents are characterized by a pronounced flexibility and adaptability, which often enable amazing changes and developments. What could be better than the chance to promote positive changes in young people's lives, to contribute to their personal growth and emotional resilience or to help them overcome their challenges? The openness of children and young people to new things opens up the wonderful opportunity to design therapeutic interventions that not only respond to their individual needs, but also convey hope and perspectives.

Furthermore, it is inspiring to observe how young people learn and develop in a dynamic environment. Childhood and adolescence are characterized by numerous changes and I find it particularly fulfilling to accompany and support them on this journey. It's a time when they are setting a crucial course for their future - and I'm excited by the opportunity to have a positive influence on this process.

Working with young people is not only challenging, but also immensely rewarding as it offers the opportunity to get to know their stories, dreams and also fears. It motivates me to work together to find solutions that improve their quality of life and empower them on their journey. Every positive experience and every experience of progress creates hope and belief that change is possible - and that's what inspires me every day.

Prof. Dr. Doris Erbe: I would have liked to have invented the wheel, because then it wouldn't have to be reinvented again and again... But seriously, I wouldn't have wished to live over 5000 years ago. Today, almost everything really is better - for example, considering the question of whether I, as a woman, would even have had the opportunity to make such an invention and spread it.

When it comes to my area of expertise, I would have liked to have invented Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). This groundbreaking form of therapy has provided invaluable help to people who were previously considered untreatable. It has helped many severely impaired and traumatized people to lead a normal and reasonably healthy life again. At the same time, my respect for Marsha Linehan, the developer of DBT, is so great that I do not presume to claim that I could have achieved something similar.

Prof.in Dr. Doris Erbe: One question I hope to be able to answer one day is: How can a value-neutral and open-ended support service be designed in therapy and counseling to help young people make the best decisions for their lives and those of their potential children in terms of family planning?

At a time when young people are faced with a multitude of challenges and options, it is crucial that they can get the support they need to make informed and reflective decisions. Particularly when it comes to family planning, the decisions made are often of far-reaching importance. For young people affected by mental health issues, these decision-making processes can be particularly challenging. This is why many express a desire for better support and counseling in this sensitive area.

Prof.in Dr. Doris Erbe: What I always have with me is my curiosity, my spirit of research and my love for people.

My curiosity drives me to constantly discover new perspectives and ask questions, which gives me a deeper understanding of the world and the people around me.

My inquiring mind always leads me to search for answers and solutions to complex problems. It motivates me to constantly question and develop scientific knowledge in order to provide the best possible support for the people I work with.

And finally, it is my connection to others and my genuine interest in their well-being that lays the foundation for my work in psychology and psychotherapy. The relationships I cultivate, as well as my empathy and understanding for each individual, contribute significantly to my professional and personal life. I am filled with gratitude for the many enriching experiences I have already had in contact with other people.